Part of Speech

The word "guaje" is a noun in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/ˈɡwa.xe/

Translation Options into English

• "guaje" can be translated as "gourd"
• In some contexts, it may refer to "a child" (particularly in colloquial usage).

Meaning and Usage

"Guaje" primarily refers to a type of gourd that is often used in cooking or as a container. In a more colloquial sense, especially in Mexico and Central America, it can also refer informally to a child or young boy. The usage of "guaje" can vary significantly by region; it's more prevalent in oral speech than in written contexts, particularly where informal communication is common.

Frequency of Use

"Guaje" is moderately used in regions where it is recognized, appearing more frequently in conversational contexts, particularly among families and communities using traditional cooking methods.

Example Sentences

1. Los guajes son muy útiles para guardar agua.

2. The gourds are very useful for storing water.

3. Que lindo está mi guaje hoy!

4. How nice my child looks today!

5. Le compré un guaje para que lleve su lunch a la escuela.

6. I bought a gourd for him to take his lunch to school.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Guaje" is also integrated into various idiomatic expressions, particularly in Mexico and Central America.

1. Estar como un guaje.
2. To be like a gourd. (Meaning to be a bit foolish or silly.)

3. He's acting like a gourd.

4. No hay guaje en la cabeza.

5. There’s no gourd in the head. (Implying a lack of common sense.)

6. She has no gourd in her head if she thinks that will work.

7. Hacer guaje a alguien.

8. To gourd someone. (Meaning to deceive or make a fool of someone.)

9. He’s just trying to do guaje to her with that lie.

10. Estar en guaje.

11. To be in a gourd. (Referring to a confused or disoriented state.)
12. He’s in guaje right now after that long meeting.

Etymology

The term "guaje" derives from the Nahuatl word "huāhui," which refers to the same type of gourd. Its usage reflects the deep-rooted cultural connections in regions where Nahuatl languages are spoken.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Calabaza (in some contexts, depending on the specific type) - Botijo (specifically if used for water)

Antonyms: - No direct antonyms exist as “guaje” is a specific type of object/things. However, one could argue that any term for a solid, unmovable object (like "roca" meaning "rock") could serve as an indirect opposite, depending on context.

This comprehensive information illustrates the multifaceted nature and cultural significance of the word "guaje" in various Spanish-speaking contexts.